Budget-Friendly 8-Day Adventure and Exploration in Himachal Pradesh

Day 1: Arrival and Shimla Exploration

Shimla, India on May 7, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Wake and Bake Café

Enjoy a budget-friendly breakfast with fresh pastries and coffee at this cozy café. Opens at 8:00AM, perfect to start your day.
INR150, 1h0m

9:30AM

Visit The Ridge and Mall Road

Explore Shimla’s iconic Ridge and nearby Mall Road, great for local markets, sightseeing, and photography.
Free, 3h0m

1:00PM

Lunch at Ashiana & Goofa

Taste authentic Himachali cuisine at this affordable restaurant, specializing in Dham meals.
INR250, 1h0m

2:30PM

Visit Jakhoo Temple

Hike or take a taxi to Jakhoo Temple, dedicated to Lord Hanuman with panoramic views of Shimla.
Free, 2h0m

5:00PM

Evening Walk at Annandale

Relax with an evening stroll in Annandale’s playground and golf course area, perfect for unwinding before dinner.
Free, 1h0m

7:00PM

Dinner at Himachal Darshan Restaurant

Enjoy affordable, wholesome Himachali dishes with local ambience.
INR300, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Kufri and Narkanda Adventure

Shimla, India on May 8, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start early with a simple, filling breakfast provided by your budget accommodation.
Included, 0h45m

8:30AM

Drive to Kufri (16 km from Shimla)

Head to Kufri for adventure activities like horse riding and short treks. Open all day.
INR100 for horse ride, 3h0m

12:00PM

Lunch at Himalayan Cafe

Affordable local meals with scenic views of mountains.
INR200, 1h0m

1:30PM

Visit Narkanda (60 km from Kufri)

Explore this serene spot known for apple orchards and beautiful vistas; do a short hike.
Free, 3h0m

5:00PM

Return to Shimla

Leisure time to relax or explore local markets in Shimla.
Transport approx. INR300, 1h30m

7:30PM

Dinner at Wake & Bake Café

Casual inexpensive dinner with options for sandwiches and coffee.
INR250, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Shimla to Manali Journey

Manali, India on May 9, 2025

6:30AM

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up early for the travel day ahead with included breakfast.
Included, 0h30m

7:00AM

Travel from Shimla to Manali by bus or shared taxi

Scenic six to seven-hour journey through mountains. Book budget options for under INR500.
INR500, 6h0m

1:00PM

Lunch en route or upon arrival

Have lunch at roadside dhabas to keep costs low, enjoy simple North Indian meals.
INR150, 1h0m

3:00PM

Check-in at budget accommodation in Manali

Rest and freshen up after travel.
INR800 per night, 1h0m

4:30PM

Visit Old Manali Market

Explore local bazaars famous for woollens and handicrafts, stroll by the river.
Free unless shopping, 2h0m

7:30PM

Dinner at Café 1947

Casual riverside café known for affordable Italian and Himachali fusion dishes.
INR300, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Solang Valley Adventure

Manali, India on May 10, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel or local bakery

Start the day with fresh baked goods and chai.
INR100, 0h45m

9:00AM

Visit Solang Valley

Exciting adventure hub offering paragliding, zorbing, and horse riding. Activities operate until 5PM.
INR300 for paragliding, 5h0m

1:00PM

Lunch at a local dhaba in Solang

Try Himachali thali to enjoy native flavors at low cost.
INR150, 1h0m

3:00PM

Visit nearby waterfalls or short hike

Nature walk to subtle waterfalls or surrounding forests.
Free, 2h0m

6:00PM

Return to Manali

Evening rest or local shopping.
INR100 for transport, 1h0m

7:30PM

Dinner at Johnson’s Café

Affordable riverside dining featuring local and continental dishes.
INR350, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Rohtang Pass Excursion

Manali, India on May 11, 2025

6:00AM

Early Breakfast Pack

Take a packed breakfast from your hotel as this will be a day-long trip to Rohtang.
Included or INR100, 0h30m

6:30AM

Drive to Rohtang Pass

Travel approx 51 km on rough roads; permits required, book in advance. Explore snow activities available till 5PM.
INR500 approx for permit and transport, 7h0m

2:00PM

Lunch at roadside stalls

Enjoy simple local meals or packed lunch in the scenic environment.
INR150, 1h0m

4:30PM

Return to Manali and rest

Relax after adventure-filled day.
Included in transport cost, 1h30m

7:00PM

Dinner at local dhaba

Sample cheap and cheerful local dishes.
INR200, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Naggar Art and Culture

Naggar, India on May 12, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before heading out.
Included, 0h45m

9:00AM

Travel to Naggar (approx 22 km from Manali)

Explore Naggar Castle, Nicholas Roerich Art Gallery and village ambiance.
Entry fee INR50, 5h0m

2:00PM

Lunch at Naggar Café

Sample local delicacies in peaceful surroundings at low cost.
INR250, 1h0m

3:30PM

Return to Manali or stay overnight in Naggar guesthouse

Relax and enjoy local hospitality either way.
INR500 approx accommodation, Evening

7:00PM

Dinner at local eatery

Try homemade Himachali food.
INR200, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Dharamshala Spiritual

Dharamshala, India on May 13, 2025

6:00AM

Travel from Manali to Dharamshala (175 km)

Early bus or shared taxi ride, scenic but long. Budget transport approx INR700.
INR700, 6h0m

12:00PM

Lunch at Dharamshala local dhaba

Affordable vegetarian meals perfect for travelers.
INR150, 1h0m

1:30PM

Visit Dalai Lama Temple Complex

Explore Tibetan culture and peaceful surroundings. Open until 6PM.
Free, 2h0m

4:00PM

Walk around McLeod Ganj Market

Shop for Tibetan handicrafts and souvenirs in this vibrant area.
Free unless shopping, 2h0m

7:00PM

Dinner at Nick’s Italian Kitchen

Cost-effective and tasty place for pizzas and pastas.
INR350, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: McLeod Ganj Exploration

McLeod Ganj, India on May 14, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Jimmy’s Italian Kitchen

Affordable and delicious breakfast menu to start your day.
INR200, 1h0m

9:30AM

Trek to Bhagsu Waterfall and visit Bhagsunag Temple

Easy day trek and cultural visit with scenic views. Open all day.
Free, 3h0m

1:00PM

Lunch at Café Illiterati

Enjoy budget-friendly continental and Tibetan food.
INR250, 1h0m

2:30PM

Visit Norbulingka Institute

Explore Tibetan arts, crafts and beautiful gardens. Open till 5PM.
INR100, 2h0m

5:00PM

Evening tea at Tibetan Tea House

Relax with traditional butter tea and snacks.
INR100, 1h0m

7:00PM

Dinner at Tibet Kitchen

Affordable Tibetan platters and momos to end your exploration.
INR300, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability